Elihu Burritt
(December 8, 1810 – March 6, 1879)
Most Important Time Period: 1842-1852

During this time, tension was growing on the conflict of slavery in the union. I am a huge advocate of peace, anti-slavery, and humanitarianism. Knowing nearly fifty languages by the time I was thirty, I took to lecturing and advertising my message of peace to people in America and Europe. I played a major role in organizing the first Friends of Peace Congress, a precursor to the United Nations. Another way I tried to get out my message was writing many pamphlets and books, such as "Christian Citizen," "Peace Advocate," and "Sparks From The Anvil." I was very passionate and ambitious about spreading the word of peace, and was truly disappointed with the failure of my mission. Being a Philanthropist, I had given all my fortunes towards my goal of world peace. I thought my methods were practical at the time, but the message did not get through. The President could have helped by achieving peace in foreign nations and within the union itself.

Two sources that could support my ventures would be Victor Hugo and Charles Gilpin. Victor Hugo was the President of the Friends of Peace Congress that took place in Paris, France. The publisher of everything that took place during this congress was Charles Gilpin. Both were also human rights advocates and wanted world peace.


"Elihu Burritt." NNDB: Tracking the entire world. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2010. <http://www.nndb.com/people/199/000102890/>.


"Elihu Burritt." Hall of North and South Americans. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2010. <http://www.famousamericans.net/elihuburritt/>.